Gaza rain floods 70,000 tents sheltering displaced families
Heavy rain has flooded about 70,000 tents sheltering displaced Palestinians across Gaza, leaving families trying to remove water and salvage belongings as the first winter storm worsens an already severe humanitarian crisis.
Gaza’s Government Media Office said the flooding occurred within 12 hours of the storm’s arrival. Deir al-Balah in central Gaza was among the areas affected, and residents said floodwater mixed with overflowing sewage.
Some families used pots and pans to scoop water from their tents. Others were left without shelter, while damaged walls and roofs added to the danger.
The media office reported that dozens of walls had collapsed, causing injuries, and warned that cracked buildings could fall. It estimated initial losses at about $3 million.
Gaza’s civil defense agency said it received about 1,500 distress calls in 10 hours after rain began. Water rose by 30 to 40 centimeters at several sites housing displaced people.
Many residents have been displaced repeatedly during the war between Israel and Hamas. About 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative for Palestine Jonathan Veitch said aid workers were trying to help but faced urgent demand. “It’s just horrific and they’re absolutely desperate,” he said, describing people stopping aid workers in the street to ask for assistance.
Veitch said Israeli restrictions on heavy machinery and supplies, including engine oil, were making the situation worse. Aid agencies have warned that conditions could deteriorate as the rainy season continues.
Gaza’s Government Media Office blamed Israel for what it called a disaster, citing closed crossings and blocked shelter and reconstruction materials. It urged the international community and UN agencies to intervene to protect displaced people.
